Multi-purpose matchbox

Abstract

A multi-function matchbox which contains matches capable of being struck and ignited and which also includes, on at least one panel of the outer cover of the box, a calendar or other information of a chronological nature having utilitarian value to a user. In a more preferred embodiment, a monthly calendar appears on the cover of the matchbox.

1 . A matchbox construction having utilitarian function other than carrying matches and providing a striking surface therefor, said matchbox construction comprising: 
 a) an outer housing;    b) a tray adapted for cooperation with said housing and carrying a plurality of matches therein;    c) said housing having a pair of opposed relatively flat faces; and    d) a presentation of chronological information on one flat face of said housing and enabling a user to determine a specified date therefrom.    
   
   
       2 . The matchbox construction of  claim 1  further characterized in that a decorative image appears on the opposite flat face of said matchbox construction.  
   
   
       3 . The matchbox construction of  claim 1  further characterized in that said housing comprises: 
 a) a pair of opposed side walls; and    b) a match striking surface on one of said pair of opposed side walls.    
   
   
       4 . The matchbox construction of  claim 3  further characterized in that: 
 additional chronological information is presented on said opposite side wall from the side wall carrying said date.    
   
   
       5 . The matchbox construction of  claim 1  further characterized in that said tray is slidably shiftable relative to said housing.  
   
   
       6 . The matchbox construction of  claim 1  further characterized in that the opposite flat face of said housing is provided with additional information which may be chronologically related.  
   
   
       7 . The matchbox construction of  claim 6  further characterized in that the additional information presented on that opposite flat face is a note taking area.  
   
   
       8 . The matchbox construction of  claim 1  further characterized in that the chronological information on said flat face comprises: 
 a calendar month of a year.    
   
   
       9 . A matchbox construction having utilitarian function other than holding matches and providing a striking surface therefor, said matchbox construction comprising: 
 a) a housing adapted to carry matches therein, said housing having a pair of opposite flat faces;    b) a tray shiftable relative to said housing and carrying matches therein; and    c) a pictorial image on one flat face of said housing, said pictorial image having value to certain users thereof allowing said matchbox construction to be retained and used as a collectible item.    
   
   
       10 . The matchbox construction of  claim 9  further characterized in that said tray is slidable into and out of said housing.  
   
   
       11 . The matchbox construction of  claim 9  further characterized in that a portion of a calendar is also printed on an opposite flat face of said housing.  
   
   
       12 . The matchbox construction of  claim 9  further characterized in that the portion of the calendar on the opposite flat face is a month of a calendar year.  
   
   
       13 . The matchbox construction of  claim 9  further characterized in that said matchbox is comprised of a paperboard material.  
   
   
       14 . A method of enhancing the value and use of matchboxes, said method comprising: 
 a) providing a matchbox having an outer housing with a tray slidable therein for holding matches;    b) said tray being constructed so as to allow easy removal of one or more matches by a user;    c) providing a striking face on said housing allowing a user to strike a match removed from said tray; and    d) providing chronological information on a flat face of said housing so that a user may easily obtain a particular date therefrom.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  further characterized in that said method comprises providing a pictorial image on said matchbox housing allowing the housing to have collectible value.